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Know 

Your 

Country 



BY 

I. L. STEVENS 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 



BRIEF AND INTERESTING HISTORY OF EACH 
STATE OF THE UNION 



COMPILED BY 



IDA L. STEVENS. 



THE COMPILER MAKES GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO 
SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. TO LIBRA- 
RIANS AND HISTORIANS. FOR THE VERY VALU- 
ABLE INFORMATION FURNISHED HER, 
COVERING THE EARLY HISTORY OF 
TPIEIR RESPECTIVE STATES. 



COPYRIGHT, 1919. 

IDA L. STF.VENS, ST. LOUIS, MO. 




GEORGE ^ ASHINGTON. 

FIRST PRESIDEXT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

BORN FEB. 22ND, 1732. 
DIED DEC. 14TH, 1799 



FAMOUS UTTERANCE. 
'Peace iv'ith all the world is my sincere -wish. 

©CI,A53n016 

JUN 271919 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 

CONTAINS 

A ])rief history of early settlement of our Country. 

A brief history of early settlement of the States. 

A brief history of the Flag. 

A brief history of the National Anthem. 

A brief history of the National Song-. . 

.V brief history of the National Motto. 

Presidents of the United States, birth place, date of birth, date 

of death and term of office. 
Dates of the A\'ars. 

Dates of Admission to the Union, of the States. 
A brief history of earliest settlement of the States, 
The location of each of the States. 
The number of square miles in each of the States. 
The number of acres in each of the States, 
The nicknames of the States, 
The definition of each name of the States. 
The motto of each of the States. 
The State Flower of each of the States. 
The Population of each of the States. 
The capital of each state and its popidation. 
The largest city of each state and its population. 
The American's creed, 
Discription of several of the Nation.al Wonders of our States 

and 

A brief description and earl}- history of that ])oint in each state 
which is considered l)y many as the most historical point in 
the state. 



[tlSToRICAT. AMKklCA 




HISTORICAL AMERICA 5 

OUR UNITED STATES. 

Our United States is a federal republic consisting of forty- 
eight states and one federal district. 

The territories now occupied by the United States ;'f 
America were discovered by Christopher Coluni-ius Oct. 12. 
1492. In 1498 an English expedition under the command of 
Sebastian Cabot explored the east coast o^ America from 
Labrador to Mrginia, perhaps to Florida. In 1513, Juan Ponce 
De Leon landed near St. Augustine, Florida, and explored a 
portion of that region in a romantic search for the Foimtain 
of Youth. 

In 1538-1542 Ferdinand De Soto led a Spanish expedi- 
tion from the coast of Florida and discovered the Mississippi 
River. In 1607 Jamestown, A^a.. was founded. In 1620 the 
Pilgrim Fathers in the Mayflower landed at Pl}mouth. Other 
settlements rapidly followed. 

The Dutch established themselves in New Netherland in 
1621. Other English foundations were: Maryland 1632, Caro- 
lina 1663. New York 1664, New Jersey and Pennsylvania 1681, 
and Georgia 1732. These were the last of the English settle- 
ments. 

The hrst effort at a union of colonies was in 1643, ,^/hen 
the settlements in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island and Connecticut formed a confederacy for mutual de- 
fense against the French, Dutch, and Indians under the title 
of the United Colonies of New England. On June 7, 1776, 
Richard Flenry Lee of A'irj^inia otiered a resolution in con- 
gress declaring : ''the United Colonies are and ought to 
be free and independent states ; that they are absolved from 
all allegiance to the British Crown and that all political 
connection between them and the State of Great Britain is 
and ought to be totally dissolved." This resolution was 
adopted by the vote of nine out of 13 colonies and brought 
about the celebrated Declaration of Independence, which on 
July 4th, 1776, received the assent of the delegates of the 
colonies. 

They adopted the general title of the United States of 
America, with a population of about 2,500.000. 

The greatest distance across the United States from east 
to west is 2800 miles, and its width from north to south about 
1600 miles. It contains an area of 3,026,789 square miles or 
1,937,144,960 acres. 

The estimated population of United States 1917 — 105,- 
118,467. 



msToKiCAL ame:rica 



OUR STATES. 

THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES. 
Delaware Ratified the Constitution. Dec. 7, 1787. 



1. 

2. Pennsylvania... 

3. New Jersey 

4. Georgia 

5. Connecticut 

6. Massachusetts 

7. Maryland 

8. South Carolina 

9. New Hampshire. 

10. Virginia 

11. New York 

12. North Carolina.... 

13. Rhode Island 



Dec. 12, 1787. 
Dec. 18, 1787. 

Jan. 2, 1788. 

Jan. 9, 1788. 

Feb. 6, 1788. 
Apr. 28, 1788. 
:May 23, 1788. 
June 21, 1788. 
June 26, 1788. 
July 26, 1788. 
Nov. 21. 1789. 
May 29, 1790. 



STATES ADMITTED 

1. Vermont March 4, 1791.9 

2. Kentucky June 1. 1792. jf 

3. Tennessee June 1, 1796. 1 J 

4. Ohio Feb. 19, 1803.li 

5. Louisiana Apr. 30, 1812.'^; 

6. Indiana Dec. 11, 1816.:; 

7. Mississippi.... Dec. 10, 1817. ' 

8. Illinois Dec. 3, 1818. 

9. Alabama Dec. 14, 1819. 

10. Maine Alch. 15, 1820. 

11. Missouri Aug. 10, 1821. 

12. Arkansas June 15, 1836. 

13. Michigan Jan. 26, 1837. 

14. Florida Alarch 3. 1845. 

15. Texas Dec. 29, 1845. 

16. Iowa Dec. 28, 1846. 

17. Wisconsin.... May 29, 1848. 

18. California Sept. 9, 1850. 



TO THE UNION. 

19. Minnesota.... May 11, 1858, 

20. Oregon Feb. 14, 1859 

21. Kansas Jan. 29. 1861 

22. West Virginia. .June 19, 1863 

23. Nevada Oct. 31, 1864 

24. Nebraska Mch. 1, 1867 

25. Colorado Aug. 1, 1876 

26. North Dakota.. Nov. 2, 1889, 

27. South Dakota.. Nov. 2, 1889, 

28. Montana Nov. 8, 1889 

29. Washington... Nov. 11, 1889, 

30. Idaho July 3, 1890, 

31. Wyoming July 11, 1890, 

32. Utah Jan. 4, 1896 

33. Oklahoma Nov. 16, 1907 

34. New Mexico. .. .Jan. 6, 1912 

35. Arizona Feb. 14, 1912 



HISTORICAL AMERICA / 

OUR FLAG. 

Congress, in 1777, appointed General Washington, Robert 
Morris and Colonel Ross, "to designate a suitable flag for 
the nation." As the world knows, this committee conferred 
with Mistress Betsy Ross, and recommended a flag in which 
the stripes were retained, but in which the cross, symbolizing 
British authority, gave place to the stars, which were hence- 
forth to shine for liberty. 

Congress, on June 14, 1777. in old Independence Hall, 
Philadelphia, adopted this resolution : "Resolved, That the flag 
of the Thirteen United States be thirteen stars, white in a blue 
field, representing a new constellation. The stars to be arranged 
in a circle." Thus was born "Old Glory," so christened by 
Captain Stephen Driver, of Salem, Mass., and Nashville, 
Tenn. The flag we love still had thirty-seven years to wait 
for the song that was to immortalize the name of "The vStar 
Spangled Banner." 

In 1795, two stripes and two stars were added for Ver- 
mont and Kentucky. In 1816 four more states — Tennessee, 
Ohio, Louisiana and Indiana, were added. 

Seeing that there must be a limit to the l' tripes, the com- 
mittee recommended that the flag remain permanently thirteen 
stripes, representing the thirteen original states, and that a 
new star be added for each state as admitted. Adopted. 

At that time the plan of arranging the stars to form one 
large star was discontinued and the method of placing them 
in rows adopted. Whenever a state is admitted to the Union, 
on the next Fourth of July a new star is added. At the time 
of the Revolution the flag had thirteen stars ; in the War of 
1812, fifteen ; in the Civil War, thirty-five ; in the Spanish- 
American War, forty-five ; in the w^ar with Germany, forty- 
eight. 



8 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM. 

"THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER." 

It was during tlie war of 1812, after the British had failed to 
reduce Fort McHenry, the defense of Baltimore, that Francis Scott 
Key — held prisoner by Lord Cockburn, the British Admiral, — wrote 
the first lines of the "Star Spangled Banner." Key had gone to the 
flagship under a flag of truce for the purpose of requesting the re- 
lease of a friend who was being held as a prisoner. The British 
Admiral had just completed his plans for the attack on Fort Mc- 
Henry, and, instead of releasing Key's friend, made Key a temporary 
prisoner. The battle began on Sept. 13, 1814, and lasted until the 
morning of the following day. From his prison ship, Key watched 
the progress of the bombardment, hopeful, but not confident, that 
the "Stars and Stripes" would still wave above the fort when the 
battle ended. Now he would catch a glimpse of the flag for a 
second, as the smoke and fog cleared away, and then it would be 
hidden from view again as the British guns belched forth shot, 
fire and smoke. Night fell and the boml)ardment continued. Anxious- 
ly the prisoner peered through the darkness for a glimpse of the 
flag. For an instant, as a bomb or a rocket would burst perilously 
close to its staff, he would see it. only to have darkness close in 
again, and with darkness came uncertainty. The hours passed slow- 
\y, but Key remained at his post watching, hoping against hope. 
Morning broke at last, and above the fort "Old Glory" still floated 
defiantly in the breeze. The British had failed, and withdrew. It 
was then that Key, on the inspiration of the moment, put down 
the first lines or notes from which he later wrote the "Star Spangled 
Banner." 

"THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER." 

O, say, can you see by the dawn's early light, 

What so proudly we hailed at the twilig-hf s last gleaming-, 

Whose broad stripes and brig-ht stars, through the perilous fight. 

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! 

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting- in air. 

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag- was still there. 

Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave? 

On the shore, dimly seen thro" the mists of the deep, 
Wiiere the foe's haughty host in dead silence reposes. 
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering- steep 
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses! 
Now it catches the g-leam of the morning's first beam 
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream; 
'Tis the star-spangled banner; Oh, long- may it wave 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand 

Between their loved homes and wild war's desolation; 

Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land, 

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. 

And this be our motto — "In God is our trust." 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA V 

OUR SONG. 

AMERICA. 

Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., for many years Pastor of 
the First Baptist Church of Xewton, Massachusetts, wrote the 
words of '^America," when he was a student at Andover 
Academy, in 1831-1832. It was lirst used publicly several 
years later at a Sunday school celebration of July Fourth, in 
the Park Street Church, Boston. 

AMERICA. 

My Country, 'tis of Thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty, 

Of Thee I sing ; 
Land where my fathers died ; 
Land of the pilgrim's pride ; 
Frcm every mountain side. 

Let freedom ring. 

My native countr}- thee. 
Land of the noble free. 

Thy name I love, 
I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy w^oods and templed hills ; 
My heart with rapture thrills. 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze, 
And ring from all the trees. 

Sweet freedom's song ; 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe partake ; 
Let rocks their silence break. 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God to Thee, 
Author of Liberty 

To Thee we sing ; 
Long may our land be bright, 
With freedom's holy light ; 
Protect us by Thy might. 
Great God. our King. 



10 HISTORICAL AME:RICA 

OUR MOTTO. 

E. PLURIBUS UNUM. 

It is a Latin phrase meaning ''Out of many, one" or 
"One of many." 

It alludes to the formation of one Federal Government out 
of several independent states. 

It is the motto of the United States, having been selected 
by a committee composed of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, 
and Thomas Jefferson. They made their report on a design 
for a motto and a great seal August 10. 1776. 

The phrase is probably derived from "Moretum" a latin 
poem by Virgil. It was also the motto ~of the "Gentleman's 
Magazine," which was quite popular in the colonies at the 
time the selection was made. 

It first appeared on a coin issued by New Jersey in 1786. 



OUR CREED. 

I believe in the United States of America as a government 
of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers 
are derived from the consent of the governed ; a democracy m 
a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign States; a 
perfect union, one and inseparable ; established upon those 
principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for 
which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. 

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, 
to support its Constitution, to obey its laws ; to respect its 
tlas: ; and to defend it against all enemies. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 



11 



OUR PRESIDENTS. 

NAMES OF PRESIDENTS BIRTHPLACE Date of Birth Date of Death 

1 G. Washington Virginia IIIIIMZI \2/\4/l799 

2. John Adams Massachusetts 10/19/1735 7/4/1826 

3. Thos. Jefferson .....Virginia 4/13/1743 7/4/1826 

4 Jas. Madison Virginia 3/16/1751 6/28/1836 

5 Jas. Monroe Virginia 4/28/1758 7/4/1831 

6 John Quincy Adams Massachusetts 7/11/1767 2/23/1848 

7 Andrew Jackson North Carolina 3/15/1767 6/8/1845 

8 Martin Van Buren New York 12/5/1782 7/24/1862 

9 Wm. H. Harrison Virginia 2/9/1773 4/4/1841 

10 John Tyler Virginia 3/29/1790 1/18/1862 

11 James K. Polk North Carolina 11/2/1795 6/15/1849 

12 Zachary Taylor Virginia 9/24/1784 7/9/1850 

13 Millard Fillmore New York 2/7/1800 3/7/1874 

14 Franklin Pierce New Hampshire 11/23/1804 10/8/1869 

15 Jas. Buchanan... Pennsylvania 4/23/1791 6/1/1868 

16 Abraham Lincoln Kentucky 2/12/1809 4/15/1865 

17 Andrew Johnson North Carolina 12/29/1808 7/31/1875 

18 Ulysses S. Grant Ohio 4/27/1822 7/23/1885 

19 Rutherford B. Hayes Ohio 10/4/1822 1/17/1893 

20 James A. Garfield Ohio 11/19/1831 9/19/1881 

21 Chester A. Arthur Vermont 10/5/1830 11/18/1886 

22 Grover Cleveland New Jersey 3/18/1837 6/24/1908 

23 Benj. Harrison Ohio 8/20/1833 3/13/1901 

24 Grover Cleveland New Jersey 3/18/1837 6/24/1908 

25 Wm. McKinley Ohio 1/29/1843 9/14/1901 

26 Theodore Roosevelt New York 10/27/1858 1/6/1919 

27 Wm. H. Taft Ohio 9/15/1857 

2S Woodrow Wilson ' Virginia 12/28/1856 



12 HISTORICAL AME:RICA 

OUR WARS. 

iVARS FROM TO 

War of the Revolution Apr. 19. 1775 Apr. 11, 1783 

Northwestern Indian Wars. ... Sept. 19, 1790 Aug. 3, 1795 

War with France July 9, 1798 Sept. 30, 1800 

War with Tripoli June 10, 1801 June 4, 1805 

Creek Indian War July 27, 1813 Aug. 9, 1814 

War of 1812 with Great Britain. June 18, 1812 Feb. 17, 1815 

Seminole Indian War Nov. 20, 1817 Oct. 21, 1818 

Black Hawk Indian War Apr. 21, 1831 Sept. 30, 1832 

Florida Indian War Dec. 23, 1835 Aug. 14, 1843 

War with Mexico Apr. 24, 1846 July 4, 1848 

Apache, Navajo & Utah W^ar. . .1849 1855 

Civil War April 12, 1861 May 26, 1865 

Spanish American War Apr. 21, 1898 Dec. 10, 1898 

War with Germany Apr. 6, 1917 Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice 

Signed. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 13 

OUR STATE FLOWERS. 

The following are State Flowers as adopted in most instances by 
the vote of the public school pupils of the respective States: 

Alabama Golden Rod. 

Arizona Sahuaro. 

Arkansas Forget-me-not. 

California Golden Poppy. 

Colorado Columbine. 

Connecticut Mountain Laurel. 

Delaware Peach Blossom. 

Florida Orange Blossom. 

Georgia ...Cherokee Rose. 

Idaho Syringa. 

Illinois Violet. 

Indiana Carnation. 

Iowa Wild Rose. 

Kansas .....Sunflower. 

Kentucky Trumpet Vine. 

Louisiana Magnolia. 

Alaine Pine Cone. 

Maryland Black-eyed Susan. 

Massachusetts May Flower. 

Michigan Apple Blossom. 

Minnesota ....Moccasin. 

Mississippi Magnolia. 

Missouri Golden Rod. 

Montana Bitter Root. 

Nebraska Golden Rod. 

Nevada Sage Brush. 

New Mexico Cactus. 

North Carolina Daisy. 

New York Rose. 

North Dakota Wild Rose. 

Ohio Scarlet Carnation. 

Oklahoma Mistletoe. 

Oregon Oregon Grape. 

Rhode Island Violet. 

South Dakota Pasque Flower. 

Tennessee Daisy. 

Texas Blue Bonnett. 

Utah Sego Lily. 

Virginia Dogwood. 

Vermont _ Clover. 

Washington Rhododendron. 

West Virginia _ Rhododendron. 

Wisconsin Violet. 

Wyoming Blue-fringed Gentian. 



14 HISTOKICAL AMERICA 

ALABAMA. 

One of the Southern Group of States, containing 51,988 
square miles, or 32,738,800 acres. 

First settled by Bieneville in 1702. After Alabama was 
admitted to the Union, it became one of the strongest slave 
holding states in the Union. 

It was one of the lirst of the Southern States to favor 
secession and Montgomery, its capital, became the first capi- 
tal of the Southern Confederacy. 

During the Civil War, its soil and waters were the scenes 
of memorable conflicts, especially the Federal Naval opera- 
tions against Mobile. 

Alabama (Indian name, meaning "Here we rest") has 
been adopted as the Motto of the State. 

Named after its principal river. 

The estimated p()])ulation of the State in 1917 was 
2.348,000. 

Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd State, 
December 14th, 1819. 

The capital of the State is Montgomery, which, in 1910, 
had a population of 38,000. 

The largest city in Alabama is l:^)irmingham, which, in 
1917, had an estimated population of 232,436. 

MOBILE. 

Mobile is the one city in the United States which has 
been under five different governments. A naval battle oc- 
cured in Mobile Bay during the Civil War on August 5th, 
1864, between a Federal Fleet under Admiral Farragut and 
a Confederate Fleet. After the fall of \^icksburg Admiral 
Farragut determined to take Mobile from the Confederates. 
The fort hnallv surrendered after a stubborn fight. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 15 

ARKANSAS. 

Arkansas is one of the Southern States of the Union, 
containing 53,335 square miles, or about 34,134,400 acres. 

This State formed a part of the French colony of Loui- 
siana, and was purchased b}- the United States in 1803. It 
was settled b\' the French in 1670. 

By Legislative enactment the name of the state is pro- 
nounced Ar'kansaw. The popular name of Arkansas is the 
Bear State, and the State derives its name after its ])rincipal 
river, ''The Arkansas." 

The motto of the State is, "The People rule." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 1,750,- 
000. It was admitted to the Union as the 25th State, June 
15th, 1(S36; seceded May 6th. 1861; and was readmitted fune 
22nd, 1868. 

The capital and largest city of the State is Little Rock, 
which in 1^)17 had an estimated population of 57,13S. 

HOT SPRINGS. 

One of the curiosities of the State is the large number 
of medicinal springs, the most popular of which is the Hot 
Springs, which are visited annually by thousands of people 
and constitute a much frequented resort for in\alids, the 
temperature of the water often reaching 150° F. 



1() HISTORICAL AMERICA 

ARIZONA. 

Arizona is one of the Southern States of the Union, con- 
taining 113,956 square miles, or about 72,931,840 acres. 

The history of this State starts from the spring of 1526 — 
94 years before the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, when Don 
Joseph DeBasconzales crossed the center of Arizona towards 
the Great Canon, 

The warlike Apaches, and other wild native tribes had 
given much trouble for 300 years and it was not until 1886 
that the United States forces and the Mexican troops, acting 
co-jointly in the frontier districts, gave the Apaches such 
a severe punishment that their power to annoy the white 
settlers would appear to be forever destroyed. 

After 1821 the country was a part of Mexico until 1848 
when it passed to the United States under the treaty of 
Guadalupe Hidalgo. 

The motto of the State is Dicat Deus. 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 260,- 
000. It was admitted to the Union as the 48th State, Feb. 
14th, 1912. The capital of the State is Phoenix, which in 
1910 had a population of 11,000. The largest city is Tucson, 
with a population in 1910 of 13,000. 

THE GRAND CANON. 

The Grand Canon of the Colorado River in Northern 
Arizona is (me of the natural wonders of the new world, 
and has been called "The most sublime of all earthly spec- 
tacles." One of our ex-Presidents has said that it is beyond 
comparison, beyond description, absolutely unparalleled, 
throughout the wide world. In vastness, in mystery, in 
sculpturing, in richness of coloring, as a geological record, 
it stands alone. No painter has ever succeeded in repro- 
ducing its coloring. No one knows what the Grand Canon 
is until he sees it, then he finds that he can never under- 
stand it. 

A glimpse of the Canon may be had in a day. Several 
davs will give one a chance to descend afoot or donkey-back 
one or more of the safe though exciting, zigzag trails to the 
river's edge, but the Canon will reward as long a stay as one 
can make. It is about 300 miles long in all and varies greatly 
in width. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 17 

CALIFORNIA. 

California is one of the Pacific Coast States, containing 158,297 
square miles or 101,310,080 acres. 

The popular name is the Golden State. In a Spanish romance 
printed before 1520 the name California was given to an imaginary 
island somewhere in the far East (near the supposed terrestrial 
paradise). A party of Spaniards coming, in 1535, to the Peninsula 
which is now called Lower California, believed that they had found 
this romantic island, or a place quite like it and named it accordingly. 
Afterward, when the country to the north of the Peninsula was dis- 
covered, it was called Alta California, that is, high California. 
Since this has become one of the United States the adjective has 
been dropped. 

In 1769 the Franciscan Monks founded San Diego and soon after 
many other missions. In 1826 the first American emigrant train 
entered the present limits of the State. In 1848 gold was discovered 
and this led to a great immigration. In less than four years there 
were 250,000 people in the State. In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad 
was completed and the employment of Chinese in the work led to a 
serious riot and resulted in the passage by Congress of the Chinese 
Exclusion Act. 

The State is famous for its beautiful scenery, its salubrious 
climate, and its wealth of precious metals and choice fruit. 

The motto of the State is Eureka, meaning, "I have found it." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 2,985,000. 
It was admitted into the Union as the 31st State, September 9th, 
1850. The capital of the State is Sacramento, which in 1910 had a 
population of 45,000. The largest city in the State is San Francisco, 
which in 1917 had an estimated population of 550,000. 

THE YOSEMITE VALLEY. 

The Yosemite Valley is located about the center of the State 
and about 140 miles from San Francisco. The name Yosemite is an 
Indian words which signifies, large grizzly bear. This celebrated 
valley, noted for the sublimity and beauty of its scenery, is about 
six miles long and from one-half to nearly two miles wide. The 
visitor is awed and impressed by the massiveness of its mountains, 
elevations, the nearl}^ perpendicular granite wall from 3,000 to 6,000 
feet high, by which it is shut in throughout its entire length, and the 
grandeur of its waterfalls, which are in some respect the most 
remarkable in the world. At the lower end of the valley stands the 
striking cliff known as El Capitan. 3,300 feet high, while from near 
its lower corner, the Virgin's Tears Fall descends 1,000 feet. 



18 HISTORICAI^ AMERICA 

COLORADO. 

Colorado is one of the Western Group of states con- 
taining 103,948 square miles or 66,526,720 acres. 

Not quite one-half of this region was acquired by the 
United States from France in the Louisiana Purchase in 
1803 ; the remainder was ceded bv Mexico under the Treaty 
of 1848. 

Explorations were made here by the United States 
Army ofificers in 1806, 1819, and 1842, and several fur trad- 
ing stations w^ere established in 1858. Gold was discovered 
in the neighborhood of Pike's Peak, which led to the first 
important settlements of English speaking people in the re- 
gion. 

Colorado has been called a vast playground for all 
America, and the State is beginning to learn, like Switzer- 
land, to capitalize its scenic resources. It invites the nation 
to find rest and recreation beside its snow-crowned peaks, 
amongst its stupendous gorges and canons, along its trout 
streams, and in its mountain parks and flowery meadows. 

The best known tourist and health center in Colorado is 
Colorado Springs, which is a city of beauty and wealth, and 
the point of departure for Pike's Peak, including the Garden 
of the Gods. Nearby is Manitou with its nine medicinal 
springs. 

The name Colorado conies from that of the river, mean- 
ing Red Water, so named after its principal river. The favor- 
ite nickname of this State is the Centennial State, because it 
was admitted to the Union 100 years after the Declaration 
of Independence. It was admitted to the Union as the 38th 
State, August 1st, 1876. 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 975,000. 

The Capital and largest city in the State is Denver, which 
in 1910 had an estimated population of 213,000. 

PIKE'S PEAK. 

Pike's Peak is a peak of the Rocky Mountains, 14,109 feet 
in height, discovered by Captain Pike, U. S. A., in 1806. On 
its summit is one of the highest meteorological stations in 
the world. The top of the Peak may be reached by railway 
or automobile. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 19 

CONNECTICUT. 

Connecticut is one of the Eastern Group of States and 
one of the Thirteen Original States of the Union, containing 
4,965 square miles or 3,177,600 acres. 

The colony of Connecticut may be said to date from 1634. 
At that time the movement began in which Hartford, Weth- 
ersfield and Windsor were settled by persons removing from 
IMassachusetts and displacing a small colony of Dutch who 
settled in 1633, at Hartford. 

The Governorship of Sir Edmund Andros was regarded 
as a tyranny by the colonists. In 1687-88 the Governor, obey- 
ing instructions from Charles II. demanded the surrender of 
the Colonial Charter. It was saved from destruction by being 
hidden for a time in a hollow tree, The Charter Oak, at 
Hartford. 

Connecticut took an active part in the French, Indian, 
Revolutionary, English 1812, and Civil Wars. She instructed 
her delegates in Continental Congress to propose a Declara- 
tion of Independence. 

Connecticut, meaning Long River, is often called the Nut- 
meg State, named after its principal river. Motto — -"He who 
transplanted still sustains." The estimated population of 
the State in 1917 was 1,255,000. It was the fifth State to 
ratify the Federal Constitution, January 9th, 1788. The capi- 
tal and largest citv is Hartford which, in 1910, had a popula- 
tion of 106,000. 

NEW HAVEN. 

Here is located Vale University, one of the oldest and 
most influential institutions of higher learning in the United 
^>tates. 

It was founded in 1701 and named after Elihu Vale. In 
1917, Instructors and Administrative Officers numbered 626, 
and of these 141 had professional rank. 

The students in Vale numbered about 3,260. The total 
permanent funds on lunc 30th," 1915, amounted to over 
S16,000,000. 



20 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

DELAWARE. 

Delaware is one of the Eastern Group of States and one 
of the Thirteen Original States of the Union, containing a 
total area of 2,370 square miles, of which 405 square miles, or 
1,257,600 acres, is w^ater. 

The first settlement was made by the Dutch in 1631. The 
first permanent settlement was made by the Swedes under 
Peter Minuit in 1638, under the rule of the Dutch in 1655, 
and of the English in 1664. In 1682 it was united with Penn- 
sylvania. In 1703 it recei\ed a separate assembly, but had a 
Governor in common with Pennsylvania until the Revolu- 
tion, 1776. Although a slave State, Delaware did not secede 
in 1861 (the Civil War), but strongly supported the Union 
cause, furnishing 14,000 troops. 

Delaware was named from Lord DeLaW are, Governor 
of Mrginia, v ho sailed up the bav in 1610. Delaware w^as 
nicknamed "Tne Diamond State." It is sometimes called 
the Blue Hen State and its citizens the Blue Hen's Chickens, 
Its motto is. "Liberty and Independence." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 215.000. 

It was the first State to ratify the Federal Constitution, 
December 7th. 1787, 

The capital is Dover, which in 1910 had a population of 
4,000. 

The largest cit}' is \\ ilmington, which in 1910 had a 
population of 87,000.' 

WILMINGTON. 

Fort Christiana, at the site of Wilmington, was erected 
by the Sw^edes in 1638. The dominion of the Swedes in Dela- 
ware was brought to an end in 1655 by Peter Stuyvesant, who 
reduced the fort and acquired title to the land by purchase 
from the Indians. The supremacy of the Dutch, however, 
was terminated in 1664. 



HISTORICAI, AMERICA 21 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The Federal district of the United States contains an 
area of 64 square miles or 40,960 acres. 

The District of Columbia was fixed as the seat of the 
United States Government in July, 1790, by an act of Con- 
gress. It is ten miles square, lying on both sides of the 
Potomac River. Maryland ceded 64 square miles on the north 
bank of the river and Virginia 36 square miles on the south 
bank. The district was first called the Territory of Columbia. 
The seat of Government was moved there in 1800. In July, 
1846, the portion south of the Potomac was ceded back to 
\ irginia. 

The district was governed by Congress until 1871, when 
a legislative body of 33 was created. This form of govern- 
ment was continued until 1878, when the government was 
invested in the present three Commissioners, all of whom are 
appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate. 
Congress makes all the law^s for the district. The citizens 
of the District have no vote for National Offices. There is 
but one government for the entire District with which the 
city of Washington is now considered as co-extensive. 

The District of Columbia was named for Columbus. The 
estimated population of the District of Columbia in 1917 was 
346,856. 

WASHINGTON CITY. 

The capital of the United States is a city of striking 
variety and attractiveness. The Government buildings are 
mostly fine and imposing structures. The Capitol, in which 
National Congress meets and the Supreme Court holds its 
sittings, is conspicuously placed. Its lofty dome, crowned 
by a bronze figure of Liberty, is 285 feet in height and 750 
feet in length, its total cost exceeding about $14,000,000. Here 
also is situated the President houses and executive mansion 
painted white, hence, called the White House. The city con- 
tains many public buildings, libraries, art galleries and 
schools. 



21 HISTORICAI, AMERICA 

FLORIDA. 

Florida is one of the Southern group of states, contain- 
ing 58,666 square miles or 37,546,240 acres. 

Florida was discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon on East- 
erday, March 27, 1513. He and his successors explored a 
large part of Florida in search of gold and the Fountain of 
Perpetual Youth. Ponce de Leon was killed in a hght with 
the natives in 1521. 

Expeditions fitted out by the Spaniards made futile at- 
tempts at settlement between 1516 and 1540. The French 
Admiral, DeColigny, sent three colonies of Huguenots from 
France to settle the country but they were massacred by 
the Spaniards. 

In 1687 the first consignment of negro slaves was brought 
to Florida. From 1702 to 1748 there were continued hos- 
tilities between the French, Spanish and British along the 
coast, during which St. Augustine was twice besieged by the 
British. Shortly after the American Revolutionary War, 
Florida was re-ceded to Spain. 

During the War of 1812 the British occupied Pensacola 
with the consent of Spain. 

In 1814 it was captured by the United States forces under 
Andrew Jackson. Then followed a long series of wars with 
the natives, the whole of Florida being ceded to the United 
States. Spain received therefor $5,000,000. 

From 1835 to 1842 the Seminole Indians were in active 
hostility and on their final surrender they Avere removed to 
a special reservation. 

The name Florida is a Spanish adjective for Flowery. 
The motto of the State is "In God W^e Trust." It is nick- 
named the Everglade State. The estimated population of 
Florida in 1917 was 905,000. It was admitted to the Union 
as the 27th State, March 3, 1845— seceded January 10, 1861, 
and was readmitted by Act of Congress June 25th, 1868. 

The capital of the State is Tallahasse, which in 1910 had 
a population of 5,000. The largest city is Jacksonville, which 
in 1917 had an estimated population of 102,285. 

ST. AUGUSTINE. 

St. Augustine is the oldest town in the United States. 
It was permanently settled by the Spanish under Menendez 
in 1565. Its mild and equable climate renders it a favorite 
winter resort. 



HISTORICAL AME:RICA 23 

GEORGIA. 

Georgia is a Southern State and one of the Thirteen 
Original States, containing 59,265 square miles or 37,929,600 
acres. 

This colony was founded by James Oglethorpe in 1733 
as a refuge for poor debtors and for the persecuted Protes- 
tants of Germany. In 1752, Oglethorpe surrendered his Char- 
ter to the British Government. It was thereafter classified 
as an English province until with its sister colonies she suc- 
ceeded in casting ofi:" its allegiance to the Crown. 

In January, 1861, Fort Pulaski and Jackson were seized 
by the State troops, and from the battle of Chickamauga, 
September, 1863, to the winter of 1864-1865, the State was con- 
tinually the scene of conflict. 

Atlanta was captured by General Sherman, September 
2nd, 1864, and he began his famous march thence to the sea, 
Kovember 15th, 1864. One of the most noted Confederate 
prisons was located at Andersonville in this State. 

The recent prosperity and development of Georgia's re- 
sources has been due in a large measure to the Cotton Ex- 
position in 1881, the Piedmont Exposition in 1887 and the 
Cotton States Exposition in 1895, all held at Atlanta. 

It is named after King George II. The motto of the 
State is ''Wisdom, Justice, Moderation." It has been nick- 
named the Empire State of the South. 

The estimated population in 1917 was 2,875,000. 

Georgia was the fourth State to ratify the Federal Con- 
stitution, January 2nd, 1788; seceded January 19th, 1861, and 
was restored to the Union by Act of Congress, June 25th, 
1868. The capital and largest city in the State is Atlanta, 
which in 1917 had an estimated population of 206,159. 

SAVANNAH. 

It was here that James Oglethorpe landed w4th the 
Georgia settlers and the city was a place of early historic 
interest. The city was founded in 1733. It was taken by the 
British in 1778 and by General Sherman, December, 1864. 
The first steamship that crossed the Atlantic Ocean left 
Savannah in 1819. 



24 HISTORICAL AME:RICA 

IDAHO. 

Idaho is one of the Western Group of States, containing 
83,888 square miles or 53,688,320 acres. 

Idaho was explored early in the 19th century by Lewis 
and Clark. It was a part of Washington Territory in 1863, 
together with the present Montana and part of Wyoming. 
It was organized as a separate territory. 

Until the discovery of gold in 1852 the State was visited 
only by hunters. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

Idaho is a Shoshone name and is said to refer to the 
bright sunshine on the mountains tops, so characteristic of 
this strangely beautiful country. 

The motto of the State is, "May it last forever." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 437,000. 

Idaho was admitted to the Union as the 43rd State, July 
3rd, 1890. 

The capital of the State is Boise, founded in 1863 as a 
military post. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 25 

ILLINOIS. 

Illinois is one of the Middle Western Group of States, 
containing 56,665 square miles or 36,265,600 acres. 

The first white settlement was the Jesuit Mission — the 
Indian village Kaskaskia, founded by Marquette in 1673. In 
1680 LaSalle built Fort Creve Coeur on the Illinois River 
near Peoria. It was ceded to Great Britain in 1763 and to the 
United States in 1783. On August 15th, 1812, the garrison 
at Fort Chicago and nearly all the settlers nearby were mas- 
sacred by the Indians, allies of the British. 

In 1832 the Black Hawk W'd.v broke out. Several mas- 
sacres occurred but the Fox and Sac Indians were finally 
removed from the State. The State raised six regiments for 
the ]\Iexican War and during the Civil AA^ar contributed 
259,000 men to the Union Army. 

At Springfield Abraham Lincoln lived before he was 
elected President of the United States, and there he is buried. 
A great fire broke out in Chicago, October 7th, 1871, devas- 
tating an area of three square miles. About 17,540 buildings 
were burned, 98,500 persons rendered homeless and 200 lives 
sacrificed. The total money loss was estimated at $190,000,000. 
Illinois is named after its principal river and nicknamed 
the Prairie State, or Sucker State. Alotto — ''National Union, 
v'^tate Sovereignty." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 7,227,000. P 
was admitted to the Union as the twent3^-first State, Decem- 
ber 3rd, 1818. The capital of the State is Springfield, with a 
population of 51,824. The largest city is Chicago, which in 
1*^17 had an estimated population of 3,639,957. 

PEORIA. 

Here LaSalle in 1680 built Fort Creve Coeur, but there 
was no permanent settlement until the advent of the French 
traders at the end of the 18th century. The place then be- 
came an important station in the fur trade. In 1783 George 
Rogers Clark built a fort here and in 1812 the last of the 
French were driven from the valley of Illinois. Several years 
later the present city was founded, taking its name from the 
Peoria Indians. 



26 HISTORICAL AME:RICA 

INDIANA. 

Indiana is one of the Middle AVestern Group of States, 
containing 36,354 square miles or 23,266,560 acres. 

Indiana was discovered by LaSalle in 1671 and consti- 
tuted part of New France. It was ceded to Great Britain in 
1763. By the treaty of 1783 it became part of the United 
States. It became part of the Northwestern Territory in 1787 
and was made a separate territory in 1800. 

After the American Revolution, the Indians gave con- 
siderable trouble to settlers, but after several years were 
confined and brought to peaceful terms by Anthony Wayne. 

Indiana is sometimes called the "Hoosier State," a nick- 
name of which the origin and meaning are uncertain. 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 2,826,- 
000. It was admitted to the Union as the 19th State Decem- 
ber 11th, 1816. 

The capital and largest city of the State is Indianapolis, 
vvhich in 1917 had an estimated population of 339,785. 

VINCENNES. 

Vlncennes is the oldest town in the State. It was settled 
by the French in 1702. From 1800 to 1813 it was the capital 
of the Northwestern Territory. Here is also located the 
Vincennes University, established in 1807 by Wm. Henry 
Harrison. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 27 

IOWA. 

Iowa is one of the Middle Western Group of States, con- 
taining 56,147 square miles or 35,934,080 acres. 

It was first visited by Marquette and Joliet, the French 
explorers, in 1673. It was ceded to Spain in 1763, receded to 
France in 1801, and it became the property of the United 
States by the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

In 1834 the territory was made a part of Michigan. In 
1836 it was added to Wisconsin Territory and in 1838 the 
territory of Iowa was established. 

In 1857 occurred the Spirit Lake Massacre, an Indian raid 
in which a great number of settlers were killed. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

Iowa means ''across," or "beyond" and was applied by 
the Illinois tribes to their enemies on the other side of the 
Mississippi River, It was nicknamed the "Hawkeye State." 
Motto — "Our liberties Ave prize and our rights we will main- 
tain." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 2,224,707. It was 
admitted to the L^nion as the twentv-ninth State, December 
28th, 1846. 

The capital and largest city of the State is Des Moines, 
v.'hich in 1917 had an estimated population of 120,851. 



DUBUQUE. 

Here the first Avhite settlement was made by Julian 
DuBuque, a French Trader, in 1788. It is situated on the right 
l)ank of the Mississippi River and is built partly on a blufif 
rising 200 feet above the river. It is the oldest city in the 
State. 



28 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

KANSAS. 

Kansas is one of the Western Group of States containing 
82,158 square miles or 52,581,120 acres. 

It is believed to have been visited by an army of Span- 
iards and Indians in 1541. It was explored by the French in 
1724 and by Lieut. Z. M. Pike, of the U. S. Army, in 1806. It 
Vv'as made a territory in 1854. Disputes between the slavery 
and abolition parties made Kansas a scene of bitter partisan 
conflicts. The result was a series of conflicts which continued 
for four years. In the end the party opposing slavery tri- 
um])hed and the Wyandotte Constitution excluding slavery 
was adopted in 1859. 

When first known to white explorers, it was occupied by 
several tril)es of Indians from one of which, the Kaw or Kan- 
sas Indians, the State and River derive their names. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

It was nicknamed *'The Garden State." Motto — '*To the 
stars through difficulties." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 1,840,700. Kan- 
sas was admitted into the Union as the 34th State, January 
29th, 1861. 

The largest city in the State is Kansas City, which in 
1917 had an estimated population of 451,974. The capital is 
Topeka, with a poi)ulation in 1917 of 45,000. 

FORT LEAVENWORTH. 

Fort Leavenworth is a United States Military post, estab- 
lished in 1827 to protect the Santa Fe trail. A large gar- 
rison is stationed here and it is the seat of Army Service 
Schools and one of the most important military prisons in 
the United States. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 



29 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 
BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809. DIED APRIL 15, 1865. 

FAMOUS UTTERANCE: 
"With malice toward none, with charity to all." 



30 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

KENTUCKY 

Kentucky is one of the Southern Group of States, con- 
taining 40,598 square miles or 25,972,720 acres. 

With the early history of Kentucky is associated the 
name of Daniel Boone, whose exploits in hunting and Indian 
hghting in the then distant and unexplored wilderness date as 
far back as 1769. He founded Boonesborough in 1775, and 
since Horrodsburg was settled about the same time, these 
two towns, with the exception of the French settlements, are 
the oldest in the West. 

Kentucky contains the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, 
which is situated three miles from Hodgesville, LaRue County. 
Fie was born of extremely humble parentage, in a log cabin, 
on February 12th, 1809, A magnificent memorial temple of 
marble encloses the Lincoln cabin. 

Kentucky is also the birthplace of Jefferson Davis, Presi- 
dent of the Southern Confederacy. He was born June 3rd, 
1808, at Fairview. It is a remarkable fact that Abraham 
Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, born in 1808 and 1809, became 
respectively Presidents of the United States and of the Con- 
federate States. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

The name of the State is said to mean in the language of 
the Indians, "Dark and bloody ground." It was nicknamed the 
"Corn Cracker State," though it is often called the "Blue 
Crass State." The motto of the State is, "United we stand, 
divided we fall." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 2,386,866. It 
was admitted to the Union as the 15th State, June 1st, 1792. 
The capital of the State is Frankfort. The largest city in 
the State of Louisville, which in 1910 had a population of 
223,928. 

MAMMOTH CAVE. 

Mammoth Cave is located about 85 miles southwest of 
Louisville and was discovered in 1809. It is considered the 
largest known cavern in the world. The cave is about ten 
miles long, but it is said to require about 150 miles of travel- 
ing to explore its multitudinous corners, chambers, grottoes 
and cataracts. It is in reality a complex series of over 200 
so-called rooms, chambers, abysses, pits, grottoes, avenues 
and galleries, extending for nine miles underground. The 
temperature of the cave is never above 59° or below 52° F. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 31 

LOUISIANA. 

Louisiana is one of the Southern Group of States, con- 
taining 48,506 square miles or 31,043,840 acres. 

Louisiana was explored by DeSoto in 1541, by Marquette 
in 1673 and by LaSalle in 1682. It was settled by the French 
under Iberville and Bienville about 1700. In 1763 it was ceded 
by France to Spain and receded to France in 1800. In 1803 
it was purchased from France by the United States for 
$15,000,000. 

The territory comprehended in this purchase included the 
present State and all the country now occupied by Arkansas, 
Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North and 
South Dakota and the greater part of Minnesota. 

Louisiana seceded January 26th, 1861, and joined the 
Southern Confederacy. It was readmitted by Act of Con- 
gress, June 25th, 1868. 

Louisiana was named after Louis XIV and nicknamed 
the 'Telican State." Motto — 'Union, Justice and Confidence." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 1,843,042. It w^as 
admitted to the Union as the 18th State, April 30, 1812. 

The capital of the State is Baton Rouge, which in 1910 
had a population of 15,000. The largest city in the State is 
New Orleans, which in 1917 had an estimated population of 
365,955. 

NEW ORLEANS. 

New Orleans is one of the most important commercial 
cities in the United States. It is situated on the Mississippi 
River. The river makes two bends here, giving the city a 
crescent-shaped front, hence its former title, *'The Crescent 
City." It was first visited in 1699 by Bienville, who in 1718 
laid the foundation of the city and in 1726 made it the capital. 
In 1880 the capital was removed to Baton Rouge. The 
cathedral of St. Louis, a Gothic church in Jackson Square, 
was erected in 1794 and is a good example of the Creole Span- 
ish architecture. The city is very picturesque, containing 
many beautiful parks, handsome monuments, and statues of 
Jackson, Lee and others. A United States Mint is also 
located here. 



32 HISTORICAI. AMERICA 

MAINE. 

Maine is one of the New England States, or the most 
northeastern State of the Union, containing 33,040 square 
miles or 21,145,600 acres. 

Settlements were made by the French under DuMonts in 
1604 and by the English in 1607. The first permanent settle- 
ment dates from 1623. 

Maine was a part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay 
in 1691 and became a separate State in 1820. An angry dispute 
with Great Britain as to its northern and eastern boundary 
line was settled by the Webster-Ashburton treaty of 1842. 

Many tablets have been placed marking the region trav- 
eled by Benedict Arnold, who, having enlisted as a patriot in 
the Colonial forces and having rendered valiant service, be- 
came a victim of jealousy and morbid discontent, and who 
attempted to betray his native country during the course of 
the Revolutionary War. 

Maine is often called the Pine Tree State. Motto — "1 
direct." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 774,914. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 23rd State, March 15, 1820. The 
capital of the State is Augusta, with a population in 1910 of 
13,211. 

The largest city in the State is Portland, which in 1910 
had a jjopulation of 58,571. Here in Portland was born 
Nathaniel P. Willis, the author. His father founded in 1827 
the Youth's Companion, which is still issued. 

FORT KENT. 

Fort Kent is located in the extreme northern part of the 
State and marks the location of the garrison organized at the 
time of the Aroostook War in 1845. Here is also located 
St. Louis Convent and the Madawaska Training School. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 33 

MARYLAND. 

Maryland is one of the Middle Atlantic States of the 
Union and one of the Thirteen Original States of the Union, 
containing: 12,327 square miles or 7,889,280 acres. 

In 1632, Charles I of England issued a patent to Cecil 
Calvert, Lord Baltimore, granting him all the land from Wat- 
kins Point on the Bay northward to the 40th degree of lati- 
tude ; and from the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay on the 
East to the Potomac River on the west. This grant included 
not only the present Maryland but also parts of Pennsylvania 
and Delaware, which led to many disputes, some of which 
were settled as late as 1890. 

The earliest settlement occurred in 1631 when a party 
of English from Virginia established themselves on Kent 
Island, on the Chesapeake Bay. The first permanent settle- 
ment was made at St. Mary's in 1634, as a proprietary colony 
of the Calvert family, but was governed as a royal province 
from 1691 to 1716. ' The Mason and Dixon Hne was estab- 
lished as the boundary line between Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania about 1766. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 the Mary- 
landers were divided in sentiment, many of the people being 
in sympathy with the Confederates, though the State re- 
mained loval to the Federal cause. 

Maryland was named in honor of Henrietta Maria, Queen 
of Charles I. Motto of the State— "Deeds are men, words are 
women." The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 
1.368,000. Maryland was the seventh State to ratify the 
Constitution, April 28th, 1788. 

The capital of the State is Annapolis, which in 1910 had 
a population of 8609. The largest city is Baltimore, which in 
1917 had an estimated population of 626,924. 

ANNAPOLIS. 

Here is located the Naval Academy which was estab- 
lished in 1845. The course of naval cad'ets is six years, the 
last two of which are spent at sea. The object of the Naval 
Academy is to train officers for the United States Navy. 



34 HISTORICAL AMKRICA 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Massachusetts is one of the Eastern States or New Eng- 
land States, and one of the thirteen original States of the 
Union, containing 8,266 square miles or 5,290,240 acres. It 
was first visited by Goswold in 1602. 

The first permanent settlement was made at Plymouth, 
December 22nd, 1620, by the company of Pilgrim Fathers 
who were separatists from the English Church, and who sailed 
from Plymouth, England, in the ship Mayflower. In 1628 
another colony of Puritans under John Endicott, settled at 
Salem. The Puritan form of religion prevailed and its history 
was marked by bitter intolerance and cruel persecutions. The 
last vestige of the union of Church and State was not swept 
away until 1833. 

The Revolutionary War had its outbreak in Massachu- 
setts and its earliest event was the siege of Boston, made 
notable by the Battle of Bunker Hill. The acceptance of the 
command of General Washington at Cambridge and the 
evacuation by the British on the breaking out of the Civil 
War in 1861 are other memorable incidents. Massachusetts 
took an important part in the Revolutionary War and the 
organization of the Government. It was the scene of Shay's 
rebellion in 1786-1787. 

It was named from, the Massachusetts Indians. The name 
means 'At the Great Hills" ; nicknamed the Old Bay State. 
The motto of the State is "With the sword she seeks quiet 
peace under Liberty." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 3,747,- 
564. It was the sixth State to ratify the Constitution, Febru- 
ary 6th, 1788. The capital and largest city is Boston which, 
in 1917, had an estimated population of 828,573. 

PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth is famous as the landing place of the Pilgrim 
Fathers. Here also is Pilgrim Hall where are preserved sev- 
eral relics of the first settlement of the country. 

The company numbered 100 men, women and children. 

Plymouth Rock is a granite boulder on the water's edge 
on which the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 1620. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 35 

MICHIGAN. 

Michigan is one of the Central States of the Union, 
containing- 58,980 square miles or 37,747,200 acres. 

It was first visited by Jean Nicolet in 1634, at Sault De 
Ste. Marie, at which locality Father Marquette made the first 
permanent white settlement in 1668. A French settlement 
was also made at Mackinaw. In 1701, Detroit became the 
seat of a French colony under Cadillac, a French military 
commander. 

From 1712 to 1717 Cadillac was Governor of Louisiana, 
returning to France in 1717. The town of Cadillac, Michigan, 
was named in his honor. It was ceded to Great Britain in 1763 
and was formally surrendered to the United States in 1796. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

It is nicknamed the Wolverine State. Motto — "If you 
seek a delightful peninsula look about you." 

The estimated population in the State in 1917 was 
4,015,053. 

It was admitted to the Union as the twenty-sixth State, 
lanuarv 26th, 1837. The capital of the State is Lansing, with 
a population in 1910 of 31,229. 

The largest city in the State is Detroit, with an estimated 
population in 1917 of 1,521,942. 

MACKINAC ISLAND. 

Mackinac Island was long occupied by the Chift'enas. The 
first white settlement was made by the French in 1670. In 
1712 a fort was built and was surrendered by the British in 
1761. By the treaty of Paris, 1783, the right of the United 
States to this district was acknowledged, but the fort was 
held by the British until 1796. By the treaty of Ghent the 
Island was handed to the United States in July, 1915. Fort 
Mackinac was maintained by the Federal Government until 
1895, when it was ceded to the State. 



36 HISTORICAL ame:rica 

MINNESOTA. 

Minnesota is one of the Central Group of States, contain- 
ing 84,682 square miles or 54,196,480 acres. 

It was first visited by the French under Louis Hennepin, 
a Franciscan priest, in 1659-60, and the portion west of the 
Mississippi was part of the Province of Louisiana purchased 
by the United States from France in 1803. 

The first settlement was made at Duluth in 1678. In 
1763 France ceded the territory east of the Mississippi River 
to England, bv whom it was ceded to the United States in 
1783. 

In 1837 the Indians surrendered all the land east of the 
Mississippi. Immigration then began and Minnesota became 
a territory in 1849 and a State in 1858. 

]t claims the distinction of having through its Governor 
ofi'ered the first resriment for the defence of the Union. 



The source of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasc 



Minnesota was named after its river of the same name 
■ — Minne ("water") — Sotah ("sky colored"). It is nicknamed 
the "Gopher State." 

The motto of the State is "The Xorth Star." 

The estimated population of the v^tatc in 1917 was 2,296,- 
024. It was admitted to the LTnion as the thirtv-second State, 
May 11th, 1858. 

The largest city and capital is St. Paul, which in 1917 had 
an estimated population of 249,657. 



DULUTH. 

Duluth was first settled in 1678 and has since become a 
very prosperous city and the chief port of entry of Minnesota. 
It is picturesquely situated at the west end of Lake Superior 
on one of the finest harbors of the United States. It had an 
estimated population in 1917 of 107,242. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 37 

MISSISSIPPI. 

Mississippi is one of the Southern States, containing 
46,865 square miles or 29,993,600 acres. 

This region was visited by DeSoto in 1540 and a settle- 
ment was attempted by the French in 1699. 

The territory was ceded by France to Great Britain in 
1763. Part was ceded to the United States in 1783 and the 
remainder was acquired in 1803. The territory of Mississippi 
Avas organized in 1798. 

It is named for the river of that name, Mississippi, mean- 
ing "Great River." The popular name, "Father of Waters" 
being a mere fancy. It is nicknamed the "Bayou State." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 1,964,- 
122. 

It was admitted to the Union as the 20th state December 
10th. 1817. It seceded Jan. 9th, 1861. and was readmitted Feb. 
17th, 1870. 

The capital of the state is Jackson, which in 1910 had a 
population of 21,262. 

The largest city is ^Meridian, which in 1910 had a popula- 
tion of 23,285. 

BILOXI. 

Biloxi was first settled by the French under Ibewille in 
1699. It has grown to be one of the most prosperous cities in 
the South. 



38 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

MISSOURI. 

Missouri is one of the Central States of the Union, contain- 
ing 69,420 square miles or 44,428,800 acres. 

It was first visited by the whites under DeSoto in 1541 
and under Marquette in 1673. The territory was first settled 
at St. Genevieve by the French in 1755, was ceded to Spain in 
1763 and ceded back to France in 1800. It was ceded by 
France to the United States in 1803, forming- part of the 
Louisiana Territory. Missouri territory was formed in 1812. 

The question of its admission to the Union gave rise to a 
long and bitter controversy in the halls of Congress, the 
South working to make it a slave state and the North vigor- 
ously resisting. The dispute was settled by a compromise 
ofifered by Henry Clay, to the effect that slavery should be 
permitted in Missouri l)ut forever excluded from all other 
parts of the Louisiana Purchase. 

Missouri takes its name from the Alissouri River which 
in turn is named after a Tribe of Indians. 

The motto of the State is "Let the people's safety be the 
supreme law." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 3,420,- 
143. It was admitted to the union as the 24th state, August 
10th. 1821. 

The capital of the State is Jeft'erson City, which in 1910 
had a population of 12,000. 

The largest citv is St. Louis with an estimated population 
in 1917 of 827,264.' 

ST. LOUIS. 

On Feb. 15th, 1764, Pierre Laclede Liquest, head of the 
Louisiana Fur Company, established a trading post on the 
present site of this city, giving it the name St. Louis in honor 
of Louis IX of France. In 1768 the Spaniards took formal 
possession of upper Louisiana, but the settlement was gov- 
erned by a French captain, St. Ange De Bellerive. In 1800 
the village again became a part of the French possessions 
and in 1803 passed into the hands of the United States. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 39 

MONTANA. 

Montana is one of the Western Group of States, contain- 
ing 146,997 square miles or 94,078,080 acres. Montana was 
first visited in 1743 by Chevalier de la A^erendrye, who dis- 
covered the Rocky Mountains, but no attempt was made at 
a settlement until the discovery of gold in 1862. This region 
was but little visited excepting by hunters, fur companies, 
explorers and missionaries. In August, 1873, several battles 
occurred between the United States troops and the Sioux In- 
dians on the Yellowstone River, and in May, 1876, in an attack 
on the confederated Sioux tribes under Sitting Bull, Gen- 
eral Custer and his entire force were massacred. This was 
followed by the removal of the Sioux Indians and the open- 
ing of the country to settlement. 

Montana formed part of the Louisiana Purchase and the 
greater part of it was included in the Nebraska Territory. 
Montana Territory was organized in 1864. Under the Fed- 
eral Reclamation Act, more than 475,000 acres of the land of 
the State have been irrigated. 

It derives its name from Montana, meaning "Mountains." 
The motto of the State is "Gold and Silver." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 952,478. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 41st state November 8, 1889. 

The Capital of the State is Helena, which in 1910 had a 
population of 13,000. The largest city is Butte, with a pop- 
ulation in 1910 of 49,165. 



GLACIER PARK. 

The land of Glaciers, more than any other region, may be 
called the Switzerland of the United States. It is located^ in 
the northwestern corner of the State, abutting the Canadian 
Boundary. It does not contain the highest peak in the coun- 
try but does contain many of the most picturesque and pre- 
cipitous. It encloses a spot known as the Triple Divide from 
which the waters flow in one direction to the Pacific, in an- 
other to the Hudson Bay and in another to the Gulf of Mex- 
ico. It is the Fisherman's and Camper's Paradise. 



40 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

NEBRASKA. 

Nebraska is one of the Western group of states containing 
an area of 77,520 square miles or 49,612.800 acres. 

It originally formed part of the Louisiana Purchase and 
later was made a part of the Territory of Missouri. It was 
made a territory in 1854 wnth an area of 351,588 square miles, 
which then included a portion of Dakota, ^Montana, \\'yoming 
and Colorado. 

The way was prepared for settlers by the overland im- 
migration to California. The first permanent settlement was 
at Bellevue, in 1847. 

The state takes its name from the River Nebraska, 
meaning "Shallow \\ ater." The motto of the State is "Equal- 
ity Before the Law." 

The estimated population of the state in 1917 was 1,277,- 
750. It was admitted to the Union as the 37th state, March 1, 
1867. The capital of the State is Lincoln, which in 1910 had 
a population of 43,973. 

The largest city in the state is Omaha, which in 1910 
had a population of 124,096. 

OMAHA. 

Omaha was the first capital of the state. Its name is 
derived from a tribe of Dakota Indians. The city was founded 
in 1854 on a scale which anticipated its rapid growth. In 1898 
it was the scene of a noteworthv exhibition. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 41 

NEVADA. 

Nevada is one of the Western Group of States, con- 
taining 109,821 square miles or 70,285,440 acres and ranks 
sixth in size in the Union. The length from north to south 
is 485 miles and it is 321 miles wide. 

This territory was ceded by Mexico in 1848. The Mor- 
mons established a few temporary camps in 1848 and in 1850 
a settlement was made at Genoa, but the real history of the 
State begins with the discovery of silver in 1859. 

Nevada is a Spanish word meaning "snowy" or "white as 
snow." The name of the State was taken from the Sierra 
Nevada, the range of lofty mountains separating it from Cal- 
ifornia. 

It was nicknamed "The Sage Brush State." Motto: "All 
for Our Country." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 131,232. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 36th State on October 31. 1864. 

The capital of the State is Carson City, which in 1910 had 
a population of 2.466. 

The largest city in the State in 1910 was Reno, with a 
population of 10,867. 

RENO. 

Reno is the largest city in the State. On the site of the 
present city a road house was erected in 1859 for the accom- 
modation of travelers and freight teams on their way to and 
from California. By 1863 it had become known as "Lake's 
Crossing" and five years later it was chosen as a site for a 
station on the Central Pacific, then building. It was named 
Reno in honor of General Jesse Lee Reno, a Federal Officer. 



42 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

New Hampshire is one of the New England States and 
one of the thirteen original states of the Union. It has an area 
of 9,341 square miles or 5,978,240 acres. 

This state was first visited by Pring in 1603 and by Capt. 
John Smith in 1614. It formed part of the Territor}^ granted 
to Gorges in 1621. It was settled by the English at Ports- 
mouth and Dover in 1623. Between 1641 and 1679 and at 
various times thereafter it was a part of Massachusetts. 
Its final separation w^as in 1741. Vermont was claimed as part 
of this state until 1764. The people took an active part in 
the revolution. 

A provisional government was formed in 1776 and the 
State Constitution adopted in 1784. 

Among the eminent men born here have been, besides 
one President, Franklin Pierce, Daniel Webster and Horace 
Greeley. 

New Hampshire is called the Switzerland of America, 
being noted for the grandeur of its mountain scenery and the 
beauty of its lakes. It was nicknamed "The Granite State." 

The estimated population of the state in 1917 was 443,467. 
New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution 
June 21, 1788. The capital of the State is Concord, which 
in 1910 had a population of 21,497. The largest city in the 
state is Manchester, which in 1910 had a population of 70,063. 



PORTSMOUTH. 

Portsmouth is the principal seaport of New Hampshire. 
It is situated on the Piscataqua River, built on a beautiful pen- 
insula, overlooking a capacious and deep harbor. It is a 
favorite summer resort. It was settled by a colony from 
Plymouth, England, in 1623, and later was the capital of the 
state until 1775. A Treaty of Peace between Russia and Japan 
Sept. 5th, 1905, bringing to a close the war that had been 
waged between those two countries since Feb. 11th, 1904, 
was effected here. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 43 

NEW JERSEY. 

New Jersey is one of the middle Atlantic States and one 
of the thirteen original states of the Union. It has an area 
of 8,224 square miles or 5,263,360 acres. 

New Jersey was first settled by the Dutch at Bergen, 
probably about 1615. There were succeeding colonies there of 
Swedes, Finns and English. In 1664 it was granted by the 
Duke of York to Sir George Carterer, Lieutenant Governor 
of the Isle of Jersey, to be a perpetual inheritance and to 
be called New Jersey. 

It was reconquered by the Dutch in 1673 and restored to 
England in 1674 and sold to the Quakers. Proprietary Gov- 
ernment ceased in 1702 and New Jersey was made a royal 
province, it being under the same government as New York 
until 1738. 

It took an important part in the revolution. On its soil 
the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Red Bank and Monmouth 
were fought. 

New Jersey was named after the Isle of Jersey in the 
English Channel. The population of the State in 1917 was 
3,255,405. It was the 3rd state to ratify the Constitution 
December 18th, 1787. 

The capital of the State is Trenton, with a population in 
1910 of 96,815. The largest city is Newark, with an estimated 
population of 469,281. 

PRINCETON. 

Princeton was the seat of the first legislature, in August, 
1776. It was also the scene of the battle between the British 
under Col. Marrhood and the American forces under General 
Washington, in which the former was defeated. Here also 
the Continental Congress sat in 1783, and from Princeton 
Washington dated his farewell address to the Army. It is 
chiefly celebrated for the Princeton University. Here Wood- 
row Wilson received his collegiate training, graduating in 
1879. In 1890 he was made professor of jurisprudence and 
politics, a position which he held until 1902. when he became 
President of the Universitv. 



44 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

NEW MEXICO. 

New Mexico is one of the Southwestern group of states, 
containing 122,634 square miles or 78,485,760 acres. 

It was first visited by Niza in 1539, and Francisco Vasquez 
de Coronado conducted an exhibition as far north as the pres- 
ent city of Santa Fe in 1540. A settlement known as San 
Gabriel was planted in 1598. In 1582-3 Santa Fe was founded. 
The Spanish were temporarily expelled by the Indians in 
1680. In 1846 the region w^as conquered by the Americans 
under General Kearny, who proclaimed himself provisional 
governor. By treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 after the 
war between Mexico and the United States, New Mexico be- 
came part of the United States. 

The territorial government was established by Act of 
Congress approved Sept. 9th, 1850. In 1853 a part of the 
Gadsden Purchase was added to New Mexico. 

New Mexico was named after Mexico. Its motto is 
''It Increases as It Goes." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 416,966. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 47th state June 6th, 1912. 

The capital of the State is Santa Fe. with a population 
in 1910 of 6,072. The largest city is Albuquerque, which in 
1910 had a population of 15,500. 

SANTA FE 

Santa Fe is considered the oldest city save one, St. Augus- 
tine, Fla., in the United States. There is said to be, in an 
ancient palace at Santa Fe, a Spanish document proving the 
existence of a trail in the last quarter of the 18th century 
from the old French settlements in what is now Illinois to 
some Spanish town in New Mexico and from one of these to 
California in 1822. The Santa Fe trail proper was opened 
as a road about 800 miles in length. xA-long this road General 
Kearney led the expedition which annexed the Western States 
to the Union during the Mexican war. 

In 1880 the arrival of the first railway train marked a new 
epoch in the history of Santa Fe. The discontinuance of the 
wagon caravans over the old trail led to Santa Fe losing its 
importance as the entrepot for the commerce of the South- 
west. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 45 

NEW YORK. 

New York is one of the Atlantic States and one of the 
thirteen original states of the Union, containing an area of 
49,204 square miles or 31,490,560 acres. 

Previous to the coming of the white men this territory 
was known as New York and occupied by the Iroquois Indians. 
In 1525 John Verrazani, a Florentine navigator, entered New 
York Bay but did not make a settlement. In 1609 Samuel 
Champlain discovered the lake which bears his name and 
about this time the Island of Manhattan was visited by Hen- 
drich Hudson, w^ho ascended the river which bears his naine. 
In 162vS a Dutch colony was established and in 1626 Peter 
Minuit, the Governor, bought Manhattan Island from the In- 
dians for $24.00 in trinkets. His colony was known as New 
Amsterdam. It passed into the possession of the English in 
1664, and was named New York for the Duke of York. 

In 1673 the town surrendered to a Dutch Squadron but 
was given back a year later by treaty. It remained in the 
possession of the English until the Revolutionary War. 

In the struggle for Independence, New York played a 
prominent part. General Washington was inaugurated the 
first time in New York City. New York is the first state of 
the Union in commerce, manufactures, population and esti- 
mated value of property. 

New York was named for the Duke of York, afterwards 
James II. It is nicknamed the Empire State. Its motto is 
"Excelsior." The estimated population of the State in 1917 
was 11,187,798. It was the 11th state to ratify the Constitu- 
tion July 26th, 1788. The capital of the State is Albany, 
which in 1910 had a population of 100,253. The largest city 
is New York Citv, which in 1917 had an estimated population 
of 6,504,185. 

NIAGARA FALLS. 
Niagara Falls is one of the natural wonders of the New 
W^orld. It must be seen to be appreciated. It is 22 miles from 
Lake Erie, the river being divided by Goat Island. In con- 
sequence this is a bend. The largest portion of the water 
is sent down by the Canadian side and on this side is the 
grand cataract, the Horse Shoe Falls. The w^ater has a fall 
of 167 feet and is so deep that it retains its green color for 
some distance below the brow of the precipice. It rushes 
over with such force that it is thrown about 50 feet from the 
foot of the cliff. The total energy of the Falls is calculated 
at 16,000,000 horse power, and the utilizing of it is consid- 
ered the most stupendous engineering feat ever undertaken. 



46 HISTORICAL AME:RICA 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

North Carolina is one of the Southern States and one 
of the thirteen original states of the Union, containing 52,426 
square miles or 33,552,640 acres. 

Unsuccessful attempts at colonization were made by Sir 
Walter Raleigh in 1518. In 1585 he effected settlement at 
Raleigh and in his honor the capital of the State is named. 
The territory was granted to proprietors in 1663 by Charles II. 

The first two colonies are known in history as the Albe- 
marle and the Clarendon. In 1669 a Constitution was intro- 
duced by John Locke, the English philosopher, upon prin- 
ciples of a landed aristocracy and feudal service. It was not 
a success and was abandoned after 25 years. Halifax was the 
place where the Provincial Congress met and passed the first 
resolution adopted by any of the colonies favoring a Declar- 
ation of Independence April 12th, 1776. 

Xorth Carolina was named for Charles IX of France and 
is variously nicknamed ''The Tar State," "The Tar-heel State" 
and the "Old North State." The motto is "To be rather than 
to seem." 

The population of the state in 1917 was 2,418,559. 

North Carolina was the 12th state to ratify the Constitu- 
tion November 21st, 1789. The state seceded from the Union 
Mav 20th, 1861, and was readmitted bv act of Congress 
June 25th, 1868. 

The capital of the state is Raleigh, which in 1910 had a 
population of 19,218. The largest city in the State is Char- 
lotte, which in 1917 had an estimated population of 48,509. 



ROANOKE ISLAND. 

Roanoke Island is the site of the first English colony in 
America sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh 1584-1586. 

Here the first American child of English parents, Mr- 
ginia Dare, was born, August 18th, 1587, 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 47 

NORTH DAKOTA. 

North Dakota is one of the Western Group of States, 
containing- an area of 70,837 square miles or 45,355,680 acres. 

The first permanent white settlement was made in 1780 
by a party of French Canadians, near Pembina. The terri- 
tory of Dakota comprising the present States of North and 
South Dakota, was organized from Nebraska Territory by act 
of March 2nd, 1861. It was divided on the forty-sixth parallel 
and the upper portion was admitted to the Union. 

North Dakota took its name from an Indian tribe and is 
sometimes called the "Sioux State." 

Its motto is 'Xiberty and Union Now and Forever, One 
and Inseparable." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 752,260. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 39th state November 2nd, 1889. 

The capital of the state is Bismark, which in 1910 had 
a population of 5.443. The largest city is Fargo, which in 
1910 had a population of 14,331. 

PEMBINA. 

Here the first permanent settlement was made in 1780. 
It is located on the Red River of the North, at the mouth of 
the Pembina River. Its position makes it worthy of notice, 
as on the north it makes the boundary line between ]\Ianitoba. 
Canada, and the United States, while on the east only the Red 
River of the North separates it from Minnesota. 



48 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

OHIO. 

Ohio is one of the central western group of states and 
has an area of 41,040 square miles, or 26,265,600 acres. 

Ohio was first explored by La Salle in 1680. In 1750 the 
English laid claim to the region and their efforts to make 
good their claim brought on the French and Indian War. 

In 1763 it was ceded by France to England. After the 
Revolutionary War it became part of the United States, in 
1783. In 1787 it became part of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory. 

The first settlement was made at Marietta in 1788. Ohio 
took a very active part in the Civil W^ar, and since the war 
has given five Presidents to the Union : Grant, Hayes, Gar- 
field, Harrison and McKinley, all born in the State. 

Ohio means "Beautiful River." and is named after its 
principal river. It is nicknamed "The Buckeye State." The 
population of the State in 1917 was 6,074,771. It was admitted 
to the Union as the 17th state February 19, 1803. 

The capital of the State is Columbus, which in 1910 had 
a population of 181,511. The largest city in the state is 
Cleveland, which in 1917 had an estimated population of 
1,125,440. 

CINCINNATI. 

Cincinnati was first settled by white men in 1780. Its 
name was given in honor of the Society of the Cincinnati. It 
is believed that a portion of its site was occupied before the 
historic period by a considerable aboriginal population. 
Mounds containing various relics appear to confirm this opin- 
ion. It w^as incorporated as a city in 1819, and from its pros- 
perity and attractiveness it early attained the name of the 
Queen City of the West. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 49 

OKLAHOMA. 

Oklahoma is one of the Southern group of states, con- 
taining 70,057 square miles or 44,836,480 acres. 

Oklahoma territory was formed in 1890 from the west- 
ern part of Indian Territory and the public strip called 
No Man's Land. Invasions of the Indian Territory took 
place in 1879 but the settlers were ordered out by proclama- 
tions of President Hayes. Several subsequent invasions of 
the Territory were made in defiance of the Federal Law, but 
all settlers w^ere arrested and their town broken up. Finally 
delegates of the Creek Nation met at Washington and sold the 
western half of their domain to the United States Govern- 
ment for $2,280,850. Congress ratified this Agreement March 
1st, 1889. 

By proclamation of President Harrison, Oklahoma was 
opened to settlement at noon, x\pril 22nd, 1889, and during 
that day 50,000 settlers who had encamped on the border 
rushed into the territory, formed a provincial government and 
laid out town sites. In 1893 the Cherokee strip was ceded 
by the Indians to the Government for $8,300,000. 

Oklahoma derived its name from an Indian word meaning 
''Fine Country." The motto of the State is "Labor conquers 
everything." 

The population of the State in 1917 was 2,245,968. It 
was admitted to the Union as the 46th state November 16th, 
1897. 

The capital of the State is Oklahoma City, which, in 1910, 
had a population of 64,205. The largest city in the State is 
Oklahoma City, which in 1917 had a population of 81,524. 



GUTHRIE. 

The City of Guthrie came into existence in one day 
with a population of 10,000 due to proclamation of President 
Harrison, opening this country to settlement on April 22, 
1889. It has since grown rapidly and now is one of the most 
flourishing cities in the State. 



50 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

OREGON. 

Oregon is one of the Pacific Coast states, containing 
an area of 96,699 square miles or 62,987,360 acres. 

The mouth of the Columbia River was discovered by 
Capt. Robert Gray of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1792, he 
naming the river after his vessel. 

The river was partly explored by Lewis and Clark in 
1804-1805, the story of their explorations being full of charm. 
A trading post was founded in 1811. The territory long in dis- 
pute was finally made part of the United States by the treaty 
with Great Britain in 1846. It was organized as a territorv 
in 1848. 

Oregon derived its name from an Indian word and is some- 
times called "The Sunset State." The name Oregon was long 
applied to all the territory claimed by the United States on 
the Pacific Coast. It was nicknamed "Webfoot Country" 
from the excessive rainfall. 

The population of the State in 1917 was estimated at 
848,866. It was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state, 
February 14th, 1859. 

The capital of the State is Salem, which in 1910 had an 
estimated population of 14,094. 

The largest city in the State is Portland, which in 1910 
had a population of 207,214. 



ASTORIA. 

Astoria was originally a fur trading station founded by 
John Jacob i\stor in 1811. In 1813 it was sold to the North- 
western Fur Company and afterwards passed into the pos- 
session of the Hudson Bay Company. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 51 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Pennsylvania is one of the Middle Atlantic States and one 
of the thirteen original states of the Union. It has an area 
of 45,126 square miles or 28,880,640 acres. 

The first permanent settlement in the state was made 
in 1643 by Swedes at the present site of Chester. Their 
colony of New Sweden was twelve years later conquered 
by the Dutch. In 1664 the English obtained possession. In 
1681 William Penn obtained a grant of 40,000 square miles 
of land from Charles II, in payment of a debt of ^^16,000 due 
Penn's father, an admiral in the English navy. 

In 1682 the City of Philadelphia was laid out on plans 
drawn in England. Penn established a proprietary govern- 
ment, offered inducements to immigrants, and by his wise ad- 
ministration and fair dealing with the Indians, founded a 
flourishing state. 

His rights passed to his heirs from whom they were pur- 
chased by the state in 1776. Independence was first proclaimed 
here and the whole colony took a decided part in the final 
establishment of American Liberty. 

Pennsylvania w^as the scene of many important battles of 
the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Of the former, German- 
town and \'alley Forge are important, of the latter, Gettys- 
burg, the field of which has been converted into a National 
Park and abundantly adorned with statues and monuments. 
Pennsylvania was named by Charles II in honor of William 
Penn. It was nicknamed "The Keystone State." The motto 
of the state is "Virtue, Liberty and Independence." The es- 
timated population of the State in 1917 w^as 8,591,029. 

Pennsylvania was the 2nd state to ratify the constitution, 
December 12th, 1787. The capital of the State is Harrisburg, 
which in 1910 had a population of 64,186. The largest city in 
the State is Philadelphia, which in 1917 had an estimated pop- 
ulation of 2,060,021. 

PHILADELPHIA. 
Philadelphia was founded in 1682. A year later it was 
made the capital of Pennsylvania and a place of great im- 
portance. It was the central point in the war of Independence. 
The famous Independence Hall was here erected in 1732. It 
was used as the Pennsylvania State House and from 1775 to 
1781 was the meeting place of the Continental Congress. Here 
George W^ashington was appointed Commander in Chief. In 
the East room the Declaration of Independence was signed 
July 4th, 1776. The famous Liberty Bell hangs in the rear 
hall of the first floor. 



52 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Rhode Island is one of the New England States and one 
of the thirteen original states and the smallest state in the 
Union. It has an area of 1,248 sqnare miles or 798,720 acres. 

The Northmen are supposed to have visited this region in 
the 10th century and the old stone mill at Newport has been 
claimed as their work. It was visited by A'erranzano in 1524. 
Roger \\'illiams made the first settlement in 1636. 

The first charter w^as granted in 1643 and a more liberal 
one in 1663. Rhode Island took an active part in the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

It was nicknamed "Little Rhody." The motto of the 
State is ''Hope." 

The estimated population of the state in 1917 was 620,090. 
Rhode Island w^as the 13th state to ratifv the Constitution 
May 29th, 1790. 

The capital and largest city of the state is Providence, 
which in 1910 had a population of 224,336. 

PROVIDENCE. 

Providence was founded in 1636 by the famous Roger 
Williams whose religious opinions had caused his expulsion 
from Massachusetts. Thus far had God's mercy provided for 
him, so he called the town Providence. He named his first 
born son Providence and his daughter, Mercy. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 53 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

vSouth Carolina is one of the Southern States and one 
of the thirteen original states of the Union. It has an area 
of 30.989 square miles or 19,832.960 acres. 

South Carolina was partially explored in 1525 by the 
Spaniards who named it Chicora. An unsuccessful attempt 
to colonize was made by the French under Ribault in 1562. In 
1630 Sir Robert Heath obtained a Charter from Charles I, 
but failure to colonize forfeited the title. In 1662 Charles II 
granted to Lord Clarendon and seven associates all the Terri- 
tory from the Atlantic to the Pacific lying between parallels 
31 and 36 N. Two years later the boundary was made 36-30. 
They employed John Locke, the philosopher, to draw up a 
constitution which should provide an ideal government. This 
lasted till 1729, when George II bought out the proprietors 
and divided Carolina into two royal Provinces. 

Later South Carolina became one of the most flourishing 
of the British colonies and attracted many settlers from 
Europe. 

This state was the first to ratify the Articles of Confed- 
eration. During the Revolutionary War, South Carolina fur- 
nished her full quota of men and suffered much from British 
invasion. 

South Carolina was named in honor of Charles IX. 
King of France. It was nicknamed "The Palmetto State." 
The state's motto is "Prepared in Mind and Resources." The 
estimated population of the State in 1917 was 1,634,340. South 
Carolina was the 8th State to ratifv the Constitution, Mav 
23rd, 1788. The State seceded on Dec. 20th, 1860, and was 
readmitted by act of Congress June 25th. 1868. The capital 
of the State is Columbia, which in 1917 had an estimated pop- 
ulation of 42.221. The largest city in the state is Charleston, 
which in 1910 had a population of 58,833. 

CHARLESTON. 

In 1670 English settlers under William Sayle landed at or 
near Port Royal. The next year they moved to the right 
bank of the Ashley River. In 1680 they moved again to the 
present site of Charleston. A few years later the French 
Huguenots, exiled for their religion, also settled here. On 
April 12th, 1861, the Confederates initiated the Civil A\^ar by 
the bombardment of Fort Sumpter. Charleston today is the 
largest and most important city in the State. 



54 HISTORICAI, AMERICA 

SOUTH DAKOTA. 

South Dakota is one of the Central Western group of 
States, having an area of 77,615 square miles or 49,673,600 
acres. 

The early history of this state is identical with that of 
North Dakota from which it was separated in 1889. The 
country now known as the Dakotas was acquired by the 
United States as a part of the Louisiana Purchase. 

South Dakota is sometimes called "The Coyote State." 

The motto of the State is : "Under God, the People 
Rule." 

The estimated population of the state in 1917 was 707,740. 
It was admitted to the Union as the 40th State November 
2nd, 1889. 

The capital of the State is Pierre. The largest city in the 
state is Sioux Falls, which in 1910 had a population of 14,094. 



PIERRE. 

In 1822 Fort Tecumseh was built by the Columbia Fur 
Company, which turned it over in 1827 to the American Fur 
Company. In 1855 the United States Government bought 
the post building and laid out a military reservation. The 
Fort was the headquarters of General W m. S. Harney, in his 
expedition against the Sioux Indians in 1856. The fort was 
abandoned in 1857. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 55 

TENNESSEE. 

Tennessee is one of the Southern group of states, contain- 
ing an area of 42,022 square miles or 26,894,080 acres. 

The first permanent settlement was made on the Tennessee 
River, about 30 miles from the present site of Knoxville, in 
1756, by emigrants from North Carolina. When North Caro- 
lina proposed to cede this territory to the Government, these 
settlers objected and organized a state under the name of 
Franklin. This government was overthrown and a territory 
organized in 1790. In 1796 Tennessee became a state, named 
after its principal river. 

Tennessee means "crooked river," or "bend in the river." 
It was variously nicknamed "The Volunteer State," "The Big 
Bear State." The motto of the State is "Agriculture, Com- 
merce." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 2,296,- 
316. Tennessee vv^as admitted to the Union as the 16th state 
June 1st, 1796. 

The capital of the State is Nashville, which in 1917 had 
an estimated population of 113,115. The largest city in the 
State is Memphis, which in 1917 had an estimated population 
of 158,309. 

CHATTANOOGA. 

This city is situated in the southern part of the state on 
the Tennessee River. It was settled in 1836. In 1861 it was 
occupied and nearly destroyed by the Union forces. It was 
the scene of three of the greatest battles of the Civil War — 
Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. 



56 HISTORICAL AME^RICA 

TEXAS. 

Texas is one of the Southern States and the largest State 
in the Union. It has an area of 265,896 square miles or 
170,156,160 acres. 

In 1685 La Salle made a landing at Matagorda Bay. The 
country formed part of the Spanish province of Mexico. 
Mexico declared her independence of Spain, and Texas with 
Coahuila formed a state of the Mexican Republic. Texas 
seceded from Mexico, proclaiming her independence J\Iarch 
2nd, 1836. After the defeat of the Mexican force under Santa 
Anna by General Houston in the battle of San Jacinto April 
21st, 1836, Texas was recognized as a republic. 

Texas now managed its own affairs as an independent 
republic until 1845, when it became one of the United States, 
and this gave rise to the war which proved disastrous to 
Mexico. 

Took its name from an Indian tribe. 

Texas joined the Confederates during the Civil War, 
seceding P'eb. 1st, 1861, and was the last state to submit. It 
was under military control until IMarch 30th. 1870, when it 
was readmitted to the Union. 

Texas was nicknamed "The Lone Star State." In 1917, 
the estimated population of the State was 4,472,494. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 28th state, December 29th, 1845. 

The capital of the State is Austin, which in 1910, had a 
population of 29,860. The largest cit}- in the State is Dallas, 
which in 1917, had an estimated population of 160,803. 

SAX ANTOKIO. 

San Antonio is historically important because of its 
stubborn but unsuccessful defense by Mexicans under Santa 
Anna in 1836, during the War of Independence in Texas. 
The buildings were originally those of the Mission del Alamo 
and were built about 1722. David Crockett was one of the 
most notable of the defenders. The Alamo is known as the 
American Thermopylae. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 57 

UTAH. 

Utah is one of the Western Group of States, containing 
an area of 84,900 square miles or 54,336,000 acres. 

Utah was part of the territory acquired by the United 
States from Mexico in 1848. The first white settlement was 
made in the Salt Lake X'alley by the Mormons in 1847, under 
Brigham Young. 

The territory of Utah was organized in 1850 and in 186S 
the boundaries of the territory were definitely defined as em- 
bracing the present area of the State. 

Prejudice against the Mormon people, and the polyga- 
mous practice of some of them, kept Utah out of the Union 
for many years, though she possessed every qualification 
for statehood. A bill passed by Congress in 1882 disfran- 
chised all polygamists and annulled the act of the Territorial 
Legislature, excluding the franchise to women. In 1887 a bill 
was passed which confiscated the property of the Mormon 
Church, with the exception of Church buildings, and devoted 
it to the support of Public Schools in the territory. In 1890 
the Mormons renounced polygamy. 

The name L^tah is an Indian word meaning "Mountain 
Home." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 451,- 
934. Utah was admitted to the L^nion as the 45th State, Jan- 
uary 4th, 1896. 

The capital and largest city in the State is Salt Lake 
City, which in 1917, had an estimated population of 114,775. 

SALT LAKE CITY. 

Salt Lake City is the capital and largest city in the State 
of Utah. It was settled by the Mormons under Brigham 
Young, in 1847. It was the ecclesiastical capital of the terri- 
tory and was prominently identified with the Mormon 
Church in its struggle with the United States Government. 
Here are located the finest public buildings in the State. The 
Mormon Temple, erected at a cost of over $5,000,000, was in 
course of construction from 1853 to 1893. The "Tabernacle," 
with its magnificent organ, is also one of the great attractions 
for tourists. 



58 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

VERMONT. 

Vermont is one of the New England States, comprising 
an area of 9,564 square miles or 6,120,960 acres. 

Samuel Champlain. in 1609. was the first white man to 
visit Vermont. The first permanent settlement was made at 
Bennington, in 1761. In 1777 Vermont declared her independ- 
ence and sought admission to the National Confederation. 
Difficulties intervened, however, and it was not until 1791 
that she was admitted to the Union, having previously bought 
ofl:' the claim of New Vork for $30,000. 

Vermont played a distinguished part in the War of In- 
dependence and her Green JVIountain Boys i)articipated in 
some of the hardest fought battles. Vermcnit is nicknamed 
"The Green IMountain State." The state motto is "Freedom 
and Unity." 

The population of the State in 1917 was o64.322. It was 
admitted to the Union as the 14th state, March 4th. 1791. 

The capital of the State is Montpelier, which in 1910. 
had a popuhition of 7,cS56. 

The largest city in the State is Burlington, which. 1910, 
had a population of 20,468. 

BENNINGTON. 

Bennington is historically famous as the first permanent 
settlement of the State (1761) and also on account of the 
battle fought August 16th, 1777, when General Stark, with his 
Green Mountain Boys, defeated a large British detachment 
sent from General Burgoyne'^ Army. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 59 

VIRGINIA. 

Virginia is one of the Middle Atlantic States and one 
of the thirteen original states of the Union, containing an 
area of 42,627 square miles or 27,281,280 acres. 

The first permanent settlement was made by the English 
at Jamestown, in 1607. It was here that the first lasting 
colony was established. Virginia became a royal colony in 
1624, it being the largest and most influential of all the colo- 
nies, and took a conspicuous part in the events leading up to 
the Revolutionary War. 

The history of the State is, perhaps, more romantic and 
heroic than that of any other state of the Union. At James- 
town, in 1619, was held the first representative assembly in 
America. With its early history are associated the names 
of Captain John Smith, and Pocahontas. George Washington 
first became known during the French and Indian War in 
1754, as an ofiicer in the Virginia Militia. This colony, under 
Patrick Henry, was the first to resent British oppression in 
1764, and in 1784 A^irginia ceded to the United States all its 
territory beyond the Ohio River. It was the tenth state to 
ratify the Constitution. It seceded from the Union .\pril 17, 
1861, and became one of the principal battle grounds of the 
Civil War. Among the great contests fought on its soil 
were the Battle of Bull Run (2), Winchester, Fredericksburg 
and the Battle of the Wilderness campaign, ending in the 
final surrender of General R. E. Lee. 

The State was re-admitted to the Union in 1870. The 
State furnished four of the first five Presidents of the United 
States. Named from Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. 

Virginia is nicknamed "The Old Dominion State," also, 
'The Mother of States and Mother of Presidents." The motto 
of the State is: "Be it ever thus to tyrants." The estimated 
population of the State in 1917 was 2,202,522. A^irginia was 
the tenth state to ratify the Constitution, June 25, 1788. The 
capital and largest city of the State is Richmond, which, in 
1917, had an estimated population of 172,278. 

MOUNT VERNON. 

Mount A>rnon is memorable as the residence and the 
burial place of George Washington. It is situated on the 
right bank of the Potomac River. The old mansion stands 
on a picturesque plateau, 200 feet above the river. It was 
built in 1743. The remains of Washington and his wife lie 
in a brick tomb on the estate. The coach in which our first 
President rode, or an exact facsimile of it, is preserved on the 
grounds. Other implements and utensils of the Washington 
familv remain intact. 



60 HISTORICAL AMERICA 

WASHINGTON. 

Washington is one of the Pacific Coast States and the 
most northwestern state of the Union, containing an area of 
69,127 square miles or 44,241.280 acres. 

Washington was originally part of Oregon territory (see 
Oregon), until the admission of Oregon !\Iarch 2, 1853, when 
this section w^as separately organized as Washington Ter- 
ritory. 

The mouth of the Columbia River was explored in 1792 
by Capt. Robert Gray and further explorations were con- 
ducted by Lewis and Clark in 1805. 

Washington is named for the Father of his Country. 
The population of the State in 1917 was estimated at 1.565,810. 
It was admitted to the Union as the 42nd State November 
11, 1889. The capital of the State is Olympia, which in 1910 
had a population of 7,996. 

The largest and one of the most important cities is 
Seattle, which in 1917 had an estimated population of 275,900. 

MOUNT RANIER. 

This mountain is the second highest peak in the United 
States. It is the most beautiful of our mountains, raising its 
isolated and symmetrical, snow capped crest 14,408 feet above 
sea level. 



UISTORICAI, A.MKKKW Ctl 

WEST VIRGINIA. 

West \ iri;inia is one of the Aliddle Atlantic States, con- 
taining an area of 24,170 square miles or 15,468,800 acres. 

The history of the state prior to 1681 is identified with 
that of A iro^inia proper, of which it formed a part until after 
the outbreak of the Civil War. The Allegheny ^Mountains, 
however, formed a natural line of demarkation between the 
two sections of the original state, and conditions favoring 
separation had long existed. They reached a climax on the 
])assage b\' X'irginia of an ordinance of secession, April 17, 
1861.' 

A convention of loyalists met at Wheeling in June, 1861. 
and in .\ugust, adopted an ordinance providing for a new 
state to l)e called Kanawha. In November a constitution 
was adopted and the name W'est Virginia chosen. 

Named from Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. 

The nickname of the vState is "The Panhandle State." 

The motto of the State is "Mountaineers Are Always 
Freemen." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917 was 1,399,- 
MO. West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th 
state. June 19, 1863. The capital of the State is Charleston, 
which in 1910 had a population of 22.996. The largest cit\- 
in the State is Wheeling, which in H^17 had an estimated 
])opulation of 74,431. 

HARPER'S FEKR^'. 

Harper's Ferry is situated in the extreme northeastern 
section of West Virginia, among beautiful scenery, at the con- 
fluence of the Shenandoah with the Potomac River. Harper's 
Ferry was the scene of John Brown's abolition raid in 1859, 
and "here the Union army, under G.ene*r«l D. H. Miles, sur- 
rendered to Stonewall Jackson, Sept. 15, 1862. 



()2 II ISTORICAI, AAIRRICA 

WISCONSIN. 

Wisconsin is one of the Central Western v'^tates of the 
Union, containing" an area of 56,066 square miles or 35,822.J40 
acres. 

\\ isconsin was visited as early as 16vH by Nicollet. La 
Salle and French fur traders, who established a settlement 
at Green Bay, in 1639. It was held under French dominion 
until its surrender to Great Britain in 1763. Canadian law 
governed the territory and the English kept possession with a 
military force at Green Bay until 17%, when it rexerted to 
Americans. 

It was included in the Northwestern territor>^ until 180). 
when it became part of the Indian territorw It was included 
in Illinois Territory in 1818; in Michigan Territorx- in 1836; it 
was organized as Wisconsin Territory and included, besides 
its })resent area, the territory now end)raced in the state of 
Iowa and Minnesota and part of the Dakotas. 

Named after its principal river. 

Wisconsin is nicknamed "'Phe l^iadger v^tate." The v^tate's 
motto is "Forward." 

The estimated population of the v^tate in \^)\7 was 2.- 
513,758. Wisconsin was admitted to the Union as the 3()ih 
state. May 29, 1848. 

The capital of the State is Madison, \\hich in UMO. liad a 
population of 373,857. The largest city in the State is Mil- 
waukee, which in 1917 had an estimated population of 531.- 
857. 

GREEN BAY. 

Here was the hrst permanent settlement in \\ isconsin. 
1745. Before that time the site of the city had been a trading 
rendezvous for the French and Indians. In 1761 the English 
built Fort Edward. 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 63 

WYOMING. 

Wyoming is one of the Western Group of States, con- 
taining an area of 97,913 square miles or 62,864,320 acres. 

The oldest white settlement within the confines of W v- 
oming was made at Fort Laramie, on the Platte River, which 
was made a fur trading post in 1834. Most of the State was 
included in the Louisiana Purchase. It was organized as a 
Territory in 1868 from areas previously in Dakota, Idaho 
and Utah, but derived more remotely from the original ter- 
ritories of Nebraska, Utah and Oregon, a portion having at 
one time belonged to Washington. W yommg was the first 
state to adopt woman suffrage. 

Name derived from Indian word. 

\\'yoming is an Indian word meaning "Broad A'alley.' 
The motto of the State is "Equal Rights." 

The estimated population of the State in 1917, was 245,- 
246. It was admitted to the Union as the 44th State. July 10, 
1890. 

The capital and largest city of the State is Cheyenne, 
which in 1910 had a population of 14,320. 

YFXLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. 

Yellowstone National Park is one of the national won- 
ders of the new world. It is situated in the extreme north- 
western part of the State and partly included in the States 
of Idaho and Montana. It has an area of about 2,000,000 acres. 

It consists of an elevated plateau basin wfith a mean 
altitude of 8,000 feet, surrounded by lofty rugged mountain 
ranges, several of the peaks of which are over 11,000 feet 
in height. There is no region of equal area which excels the 
Yellowstone Park in its variety of scenery. Springs of all kinds 
abound. It is said that Jehovah outdid himself when he made 
the A^llowstone. 



64 



HISTORICAL AMERICA 




TWENTY-EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED 

STATES 

BORN DECEMBER 28TH, 1856 



FAMOUS UTTERANCE: 
The World must he made safe for Democracy. 



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